Circumstances of Death

Senior Special Agent Paul “Scott” Ragsdale suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in a Control and Arrest Techniques training in Coppell, Texas on May 24, 2018.

Background 

Senior Special Agent Ragsdale, or “Rags” as he was affectionately known, began his ATF career in 2001. At the time of his death, he was the Senior Operations Officer for the Dallas Field Division.

Senior Special Agent Ragsdale was a dedicated public servant with a passion for law enforcement and true concern for others. In addition to completing numerous criminal investigations, he was a driving force behind the transition of the Las Cruces Satellite Office to a fully-fledged field office. His outstanding work in the seven southern counties of New Mexico demonstrated an overwhelming need for the field office and built amazing rapport with local organizations which would prove beneficial for the transition as well as ATF’s ongoing mission. He was well-known for volunteering for missions which were physically demanding and emotionally draining, such as the emergency response following Hurricane Harvey. His calm presence and infinite compassion made a difference in the lives of many who suffered great loss from the terrible storm.

Personal

Senior Special Agent Ragsdale is survived by his wife, Erin Ragsdale; children, Aidan and Riley; and parents, Roy and Patti Ragsdale.